The International Casual Furnishings Association announced this week the establishment of the ICFA Memorial Scholarship Fund honoring Victoria Echols. Echols, who was a beloved member of the casual industry, died unexpectedly in March 2025.
“Victoria believed deeply in lifting others up, in sharing knowledge freely and in making space for the next generation to dream even bigger,” Jessica Salisbury, ICFA Memorial Committee member and Polywood business development manager, said in a video posted on Facebook.
During this week’s ICFA Elevate Conference in New Orleans, attendees were invited to donate toward the scholarship fund via a QR code displayed in the vendor showcase area. The scholarship will benefit students pursuing design.
“It is our hope that this scholarship will be more than a remembrance — it will be a living reflection of the generosity and heart that defines this industry,” Salisbury said.
Echols had a 20-plus-year career in the casual industry, working for Minson, Tropitone, Trivantage, Outdura and at Revolution Performance Fabrics, where she was director of outdoor until her untimely death. Echols also was an active member of the ICFA, serving on the conference committee and the leadership committee of the ICFA Women’s Leadership Network. Echols was married to fellow casual industry veteran Bryan Echols, who is currently president of Jensen Outdoor.
In the video announcement on Facebook, Salisbury said the Memorial Committee hopes this scholarship will honor the lasting legacy Echols left on the industry.
“This scholarship was created to carry forward the spirit of mentorship, kindness and connection that Victoria Echols so beautifully embodied and that so many of you live out today,” she said.
Click here to contribute to the scholarship fund.
